Kapil, Ashwin get top BCCI awards

India's top cricketers honoured at the annual gala.

1983: India Captain Kapil Dev holds the trophy aloft after the World Cup match against the West Indies at Lord's in London. India won the match by 43 runs. \ Mandatory Credit: Dave Cannon/Allsport... more

1983: India Captain Kapil Dev holds the trophy aloft after the World Cup match against the West Indies at Lord's in London. India won the match by 43 runs. \ Mandatory Credit: Dave Cannon/Allsport less

“When you are young and playing, awards don’t matter as you are filled with passion for the game. It is only now when an honour like this comes your way, by way of appreciation from your own Board that increases the sense of happiness.”

AMONG THE GREATS

Kapil was the first player to complete the 'double' of 5,000 runs and 400 wickets in Tests. In an illustrious career that commenced in 1978 and concluded in 1994, he represented India in 131 Tests, from which he took 434 wickets.

In ODIs, he took 253 wickets and scored 3,783 runs. His Test and ODI wickets tally were records.

His match-winning 175 in the 1983 World Cup league encounter against Zimbabwe, wherein he rescued India from a perilous 9-4 that became 17-5, is part of cricketing folklore.

He struck with the ball at critical stages, right through the tournament, and held two crucial catches -- those of Vivian Richards and Clive Lloyd -- in the final against the West Indies.

His other significant achievement as captain of India was the '2-0' Test series win in England, in 1986.

Kapil's temperament and tenacity overshadowed his talent. He produced his best in crisis situations. He overcame an injured thigh to take 5-28 against Australia at Melbourne in 1980-81, which took India to a famous series-levelling win.

His 119 against the same team at Chennai in 1986-87, steered India out of a tight spot, and set up only the second Tied Test in the history of the sport.

Against England at Lord's in 1990, with India needing 24 to avoid the follow-on, and the number eleven batsman at the other end, he proceeded to hit off-spinner Eddie Hemmings for four consecutive sixes.

He had a stint as coach of the Indian team in 1999-00, and served as chairman of the National Cricket Academy in 2006-07. Kapil had a public falling out with the BCCI in 2007 when he spearheaded the now-defunct Indian Cricket League with the backing of the Zee Network. All cricketers associated with this 'rebel' league were stripped of their incomes and appointments in official cricket.

He received the C.K. Nayudu award, which comprises a trophy, citation and a cheque for Rs.25 lakh, at the BCCI Awards Ceremony.

The award, named after India's first Test captain, is given to individuals whose contribution to the sport, on and off the field, is unparalleled.

Meanwhile, India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin accepted the Polly Umrigar Trophy for being India’s best international cricketer of the year.

In the 2012-13 season, Ashwin picked up 43 wickets along with two fifties in eight Tests, and 24 wickets in 18 ODIs.

“I am happy and proud to be on this stage where legends of Indian cricket have been honoured. It would not have been possible without my teammates,” he said.

Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award: Kapil Dev Nikhanj: who gets a trophy, citation and cheque for Rs. 25 lakh. Kapil is India’s leading all-rounder, having taken record hauls of 434 Test ... more

Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award: Kapil Dev Nikhanj: who gets a trophy, citation and cheque for Rs. 25 lakh. Kapil is India’s leading all-rounder, having taken record hauls of 434 Test and 253 ODI wickets, along with over 5200 Test runs and 3000 ODI runs. He’s the only cricketer with a double of 5000 runs and 400 wickets in Tests. He also led India to their first World Cup win in 1983. less